New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I-Sag Harbor) is one of only 15 State Legislators to receive the “Library Champion Award” from New Yorkers for Better Libraries, the State’s leading library advocacy organization. Legislators were selected due to their exceptional leadership and commitment to New York’s libraries.

John Hammond, Chair of the New Yorkers for Better Libraries Steering Committee noted, “Assemblyman Thiele has shown exceptional leadership and commitment to New York’s libraries and I am proud to present him with the Library Champion Award. “The Assemblyman has provided the leadership and resolve libraries desperately need in Albany. He understands that libraries are a critical part of New York’s educational infrastructure and has worked hard to ensure that libraries receive the funding they need to provide lifelong learning opportunities for every New Yorker. As an organization we are grateful to Assemblyman Thiele and look forward to continuing our work together to advance New York's libraries and the communities they serve."

Thiele proudly chaired the Assembly Committee on Libraries and Education Technology during the 2014 Legislative Session, and sponsored resolutions in support of National Libraries Week and Library Assistants. During his Chairmanship, funding for state libraries increased $1 million, maintaining funding for the Conservation and Preservation Program and the Talking Book and Braille Library, and budgeting $14 million in funding to continue statewide library capital projects. Thiele has been a lifelong advocate and support of public libraries, securing the funding necessary to help libraries maintain and expand their services.